Sri Lanka by tuk-tuk

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Colombo

  

  Welcome to Sri Lanka! Reception at Colombo airport and transfer to your hotel in Negombo. Nicknamed "Little Rome", this port is home to one of the largest fishing communities on the island, mostly Catholic. You can see many churches near the shore. Every morning, except Sunday, the fishermen sell their fish at auction. Check-in at the hotel and free time to rest. Overnight at the hotel.

• day 2

  Negombo - Dambulla - 150 km

  

  After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Dambulla. During the journey, visit the Dambulla Golden Temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This large carved rock is the center of a Buddhist cave-temple complex established in the 3rd century BC and has been occupied ever since. You can admire incredible Buddha statues spread across five large caves. The view over the plain from the top of the rock is exceptional. Next, take a tuk-tuk tour of the village. Overnight in Dambulla.

• day 3

  Dambulla - Kandy - 84 km

  

  After breakfast at the hotel, you will head towards Sigiriya by tuk-tuk. Upon arrival, you can enjoy a horseback ride along the streams and villages. Then, visit the incredible ancient fortress of Sigiriya, often called the "eighth wonder of the world." The site of the "Lion Rock" has been visited since the 6th century by passionate admirers. The frescoes of Sigiriya are painted in a popular pictorial style. At the foot of the fortress, you will find the two districts of the lower city, protected by a massive wall. Its construction dates back to the 5th century. Sri Lankan architectural tradition is well represented at Sigiriya, whose city center dating from the first millennium is the best preserved in Asia: a combination of buildings and tree-planted gardens, paths, water gardens, an alternation of symmetrical and asymmetrical elements… The journey continues to Kandy, where you will take a tour of the city by tuk-tuk. Then, in the evening, you will attend a traditional dance show. Next, visit the Sri Dalada Maligawa Buddhist temple (the Temple of the Sacred Tooth). It is located in the royal palace complex of the former kingdom of Kandy and houses the relic of the Buddha's tooth. For a very long time, the relic played a major role in local politics, as according to belief, whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the kings of Sri Lanka and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight at the hotel in Kandy.

• day 4

  Kandy - Udawalawe - 190 km

  

  In the morning, departure for Udawalawe, then jeep safari in the park. Udawalawe takes its name from the large reservoir built in the 1960s on the Walawe River. This body of water is still today the main water source for the elephants and other animals in the park (jackals, deer, etc.). The park is also renowned for its very rich birdlife, with notably five species of eagles. Check-in and overnight at the hotel at the entrance of Uda Walawe.

• day 5

  Udawalawe - Koggala - 140 km

  

  Breakfast at the hotel, then head to Koggala. On the way, visit the Elephant House, also known as "Eth Athuru Sevana". The center takes care of orphaned or abandoned baby elephants from jungles all over the island. Next, cultural visit of Galle and its Dutch fort by tuk-tuk. Galle has an urban environment that illustrates the meeting between European architecture and South Asian traditions, between the 16th and 19th centuries. This fortified city, built by the Dutch, still exists, but with some modifications. Overnight at the hotel in Koggala.

• day 6

  Koggala - Colombo (Airport) - 135 km

  

  Breakfast at the hotel, then drive towards the airport. During the journey, you will visit the city of Colombo, still by tuk-tuk. The colonial gardens of Colombo are still very well preserved along its boulevards. The Fort is the ideal example of historic colonial architecture, while the Pettah district is full of markets and shops. The cosmopolitan side of Colombo can be seen in its chic restaurants, galleries, and museums. There are many surprises in the old neighborhoods, where you can find excellent local cuisine and discover an impressive or, on the contrary, tiny shop, a friendly café… Visiting the capital is an excellent beginning or end to discover the pearl of the Indian Ocean. End of your trip to Sri Lanka.